Pieces coming together for wellness center

Membership promo expected in November

by Marianne Gasaway

The new community wellness center is taking shape in anticipation of a December 2021 opening.

Monday night the Clear Lake City Council received a building update and watched a computer generated “fly-through” showing how a variety of cardio and weight equipment will be situated within the facility.  The Council also approved the purchase of indoor playground equipment.

A bid of $135, 486 was accepted from Playtime, of Englewood, Colo., for a custom play structure.  The sculpted soft foam play elements will be one of the main floor features that visitors will see when entering the facility.

Wellness center Director Adam Long told the Council he took his first walk-through of the facility Monday since interviewing here two months ago.  A large amount of progress has been made, he said, noting the size and stature of the building is more evident now that it is enclosed.  

“I don’t know if the community understands what type of facility this will have the potential to be, but it’s pretty exciting,” said Long.  “Of all the ones I have been able to go visit and tour, I think ours is going to be on another level.”

Long noted data shows the indoor playground is an important part of the wellness center for parents, the community and creates a safe place for 

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kids to play.  

The upstairs track has been poured, electrical work has been done, all the rooms are framed and locker rooms have plumbing roughed in, according to Long.  There is no floor yet for field house, but it is on the docket to happen soon, he added.

Long said he is getting bids from companies for weight and cardio equipment and plans to present then to the Council at their next meeting.  He said he will recommend leasing equipment, due to wear and tear it will take from the public.  Leasing will also allow the city to replace the equipment every four to five years and that way stay on the cutting edge of fitness technology.

Long said he expects to launch a membership campaign for the facility in November, perhaps as a Black Friday promotion.  

Other business

The Council approved the purchase of a new Track Skid Loader and 10-foot Virnig V-Plow for the city’s Public Works Department.  

The low bid of $66,000 (includes a 60-month extended warranty at $3,000) from Murphy Tractor & Equipment, of Waterloo, was accepted for a 2021 John Deere 325G skid loader.   The Virnig snow plow was bid separately and will cost the city $6,500, for a total of about $71,000.  The cost does not include the city’s plan to sell its 2001 Case 75XT.  

The City had budgeted $81,200 to replace the equipment. 

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